Hastings says he will end his five-and-half-year stint on the software maker’s board to concentrate on running Netflix Inc. at a time the video subscription service is facing an assortment of challenges threatening its future growth.

Hastings, 51, will leave the board when Microsoft Corp. holds its annual shareholder meeting next month. The date of that gathering hasn’t been set.

Hastings’ departure will create an opening for a new lead independent board member. Microsoft plans to fill that void at its annual meeting.

After Hastings leaves, Microsoft will have nine directors.

Hastings will still serve on several other boards, including Netflix’s and Facebook Inc.‘s.